MCPS issued the following reminder to students and families emphasizing the importance of safe gun storage, noting that firearm-related injuries are now a leading cause of death among children and teens in the U.S.
The message highlights research showing that storing guns unloaded and locked, with ammunition secured separately, significantly reduces risks, and encourages families to adopt these practices and consider gun buyback programs.
Dear Students and Families,
As we begin the new school year, we want to draw your attention to a critical issue affecting the safety and well-being of our children. Firearm-related injuries and deaths among youth have become a leading cause of death for children and teens (ages 1–19) in the United States.
Why Safe Gun Storage Matters Now More Than Ever
Each year, nearly 22,000 children and teens are shot or wounded by firearms, and about three million young people are exposed to gun violence. In fact, more than 4.6 million children live in homes where guns are stored, loaded and unlocked.
Research shows that storing firearms unloaded and locked, with ammunition secured separately, reduces the risk of unintentional injuries by 85% and self-inflicted gun injuries by 78%. Most unintentional shootings involving children occur at home, often when a child finds a loaded, unlocked gun. The majority of these weapons are accessed from nightstands or sleeping areas.
How We Can All Help Keep Children Safe
Families play a vital role in protecting children. We strongly encourage every household to adopt these safe storage practices:
- Use gun safes, lock boxes or trigger locks
- Keep firearms unloaded
- Store ammunition in a separate and locked location
Together, We Can Save Lives
Community members should consider participating in gun buyback programs as a safe and responsible way to dispose of unwanted firearms. For more information and to find local buyback opportunities, please visit gunbuyback.org
Please take these steps today to help reduce the risk of accidental shootings, self-harm and youth violence.
